District 31 fundraiser promotes fitness

Fun Run to take place at Winkelman, Field schools April 16-25

West Northfield School District 31 prepares for a new fundraiser, called Boosterthon Fun Run. (Handout, School District 31)

West Northfield School District 31 is getting ready to host a new fundraiser that will promote fitness, character and leadership in its students and raise money.

The district's Parent Teacher Club and the Education Foundation are sponsoring the drive, called Boosterthon Fun Run, which will last from April 16 to April 25 at both Winkelman Elementary School and Field Middle School.

The program is a part of district's Act Now campaign to finance technology gadgets, such as iPads, for each student in the district, said District 31 Superintendent Alexandra Nicholson.

"It's a great event and something that every kid in the district has the opportunity to participate in whether they raise money or not," Nicholson said.

Melissa Choo Valentinas, an organizer of the event, said the district is encouraging parents and their student to participate in the event. Choo Valentinas said parents could ask 10 of their friends or family members to pledge to donate a dollar or more for every lap their student runs or walks at the end of the event on Thursday, April 25, by Winkelman School, at 1919 Landwehr Road.

The district hopes to raise $25,000 through the new fundraiser, Choo Valentinas said.

The money would help the district's goal of delivering tablets for each of its students by the 2015-16 school year. The district plans to provide students in sixth, seventh and eighth grades with personal technology devices in the 2013-14 school year.

So far the district has already raised about $25,000 through other fundraisers during this year, Choo Valentinas said.

"We're very optimistic about this," said Choo Valentinas, adding that the district will host more fundraisers if needed in the future.

The eight-day program will start with a pep rally at both district's schools, Field Middle School and Winkelman Elementary School, on Tuesday, April 16. During the event, school officials will emphasize the importance of character, fitness, positive outlook and leadership development in its students, Choo Valentinas said.

Boosterthon, an Atlanta-based fundraising company, will help the district set up the event quickly, Choo Valentinas said. The company would specifically aid in putting together two running tracks on April 25.

Every 35 laps of the track would equal to a 5K run or walk, she said.

The event "will give the kids a sense of ownership," Nicholson said. "It'll make them appreciate the technology even more."